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Dr. James H. Brandt
Dr. James H. Brandt was studying engineering when his dog was hit by a car. He wanted to help the injured animal, but didn’t know what to do. Dr. Brandt didn’t like feeling helpless, so he dropped veterinary engineering.
Years later, Dr. Brandt several small animal practices in Florida and has been recognized as a leader in the veterinary industry.
As AVMA President 2001-02, Dr. Brandt had the foresight to direct the association’s attention to improving the economic health of the veterinary industry. During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he spoke for a profession that mourned with the nation.
“When we recognize and discuss leadership in the Florida VMA, AVMA and the world, we always end the conversation with ‘Leadership by Example’. There was no better example than Dr. James Brandt, “said Dr. Richard Sutliff, President of the FVMA.
Dr. Brandt died on October 25th, accompanied by his wife Pat and son Hadley. He was 87.
Dr. Brandt was born on October 1, 1934 in McPherson, Kansas, and married Patty Sue Hasemeier in 1955. After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1964, Dr. Brandt to Florida with Pat and her son. Until his retirement in 1997 he owned and operated small animal practices in Nokomis and Venice.
He was very active in organized veterinary medicine. He told JAVMA News in 2013, “Participating seemed to make me feel more involved in the job and actually made the practice a lot more enjoyable.”
Dr. Brandt was President of the Southwest Florida VMA in 1972 and the FVMA in 1990. He was also a member of the AVMA House of Delegates from 1989 until he was elected AVMA President-elect in Florida as a delegate or deputy delegate in 2000.
Regarding AVMA’s presidency during the 9/11 attacks, Dr. Brandt told JAVMA News that the events “generated a personal anticipation that clouded the experience, but overall being president was an experience I wouldn’t trade with anyone.”
After his tenure as AVMA President, Dr. Brandt was elected Chairman of the AVMA Board of Directors and oversaw the AVMA Group Health and Life Insurance Trust, now known as AVMA Life.
In 2013 he received the AVMA Award – the association’s highest honor – for his many years of service to the profession.
Dr. Janet Donlin, CEO and Executive Vice President of AVMA, said Dr. Brandt is a true friend and champion of this profession.
“In his many years of dedicated work for AVMA in various functions, the focus has always been on caring for people and their families. He had great respect for the variety of roles veterinarians play in society and was also a passionate advocate of veterinary technicians and veterinarians, “she said. “He had a wonderful sense of humor and a wink when he talked about veterinary medicine – and that certainly helped in difficult times.
“He and his wife Pat have been wonderful ambassadors traveling the country and the world on behalf of AVMA. He was widely respected and will be greatly missed. “
The influence of Dr. Brandt’s on the veterinary profession is already evident. AVMA President José Arce praised Dr. Brandt expressed his involvement in organized veterinary medicine. “I first met Jim Brandt at the Veterinary Leadership Conference in 2000, which I attended as a freshly baked graduate,” recalls Dr. Arce.
“He encouraged me to get involved with AVMA and organized the veterinary medicine. He was really excited about our job and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Jim was an executive leader and will be greatly missed. “
“Jim Brandt was a special person. He always treated everyone as if they were important, especially to him, ”said Dr. Ernest Godfrey, Florida’s delegate to HOD. “He and Pat were a great couple. They served the veterinary profession, the FVMA and the AVMA for many years. We will all miss him. “
In addition to his wife and son, Dr. Brandt three grandchildren, a sister and two brothers.
Monuments may be remembered at the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 508 Riviera St., Venice, FL 34285.
